Author: Marija Vasilevska

MAAA is deeply committed to fostering societal development. Its vision is to actively give back to the community and use its members’ expertise to contribute to its ongoing development. As a commitment to the society, MAAA established volunteer clubs at the four separate state universities. Every club is dedicated to the ongoing organization of community service initiatives, which span a spectrum of activities, including but not limited to aiding children with special needs, facilitating discussions on mental health, advocating for educational advancements in journalism, and participating in sustainable development projects. These activities are part of the U.S. Embassy granted project "Alumni encouraging community service and extra-curricular activities”. During this winter semester, three additional clubs were established at three state universities.

At Goce Delčev University in Štip, at the Faculty of Medicine, a new club focusing on volunteer work and helping both young individuals and those with disabilities was established. It maintains partnerships with two organizations: CBT and Neuroscience Hub-SOMA. To date, they have successfully hosted several events, including a significant mental health discussion led by Dr. Diana Miloševa, a Ph.D. candidate and Psychiatry specialist, on September 22. The discussion was entitled "Depression and young people – from the youth for the youth".

In addition, the students from this club also volunteered in the State Secondary School for Education and Rehabilitation "Iskra". They performed physical and educational activities with the students there. Mattress and medicine balls were purchased for this school to support the future successful continuation of the children's physical development and future volunteer activities. Moreover, on October 12th at the student conference MEET, held at the Faculty of Philosophy in Skopje, Dr. Diana Miloševa and Bojana Katsarova presented their scientific paper titled "The Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Perinatal Depression Treatment: A Systematic Review." This paper is slated for publication in a scholarly journal.

At the Faculty of Philology, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, a journalism club was established. It mainly involves students from the Faculty of Philology "Blaže Koneski" and the Faculty of Law "Iustinanus Primus"  who will edit faculty magazines and will take a more active part in the work of the university radio.

Their first meeting was held on October 17th, with an introductory lecture delivered by the popular journalist and MAAA member Snežana Lupevska. Ms. Lupevska shared her experience as a journalist, inspiring and encouraging the participants to become actively involved in the club`s activities. The dean of the "Blaže Koneski" Faculty of Philology, Prof. Dr. Vladimir Martinovski, Prof. Dr. Jasna Bačovska from the Department of Journalism at the Faculty of Law and the president of MAAA Verica Jordanova also addressed the members of the club and meeting`s participants expressing their support for the establishment of this club.

Furthermore, at St. Kliment Ohridski University in Bitola (UKLO), a Sustainable Development Club was established with the aim to promote volunteer and extracurricular activities. As part of the club's initiatives, on September 21st and 22nd, the students were engaged in two-day activities marking the global promotion of sustainable development goals and alternative transportation methods. These activities encompass a series of volunteer events focused on spreading the message of safety and sustainable mobility. They are part of a comprehensive campaign aimed at cultivating healthy lifestyle habits, preserving a clean environment, enhancing road safety, and advocating for alternative modes of transportation – beneficial to both health and the environment. In support of these efforts, the MAAA-Macedonian-American Alumni Association will be providing bicycles for UKLO students and members of the UKLO Sustainable Living Club.

In addition to the work of these above-mentioned clubs, university students continue to be actively involved in volunteering activities. In the period 16th-24th October,  a group of students from the Institutes of Defectology, Psychology and Social Work and Politics at the Faculty of Philosophy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje,  were volunteering in the Association of Citizens for the Treatment of People with Autism, ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome Association “In My World” - Skopje. The volunteers were involved in various creative and educational activities with the children in the Association and had the opportunity to acquaint themselves closely with both the challenges and interests of the children.

Furthermore, on October 2nd, a few students from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University took part in the EducationUSA college and alumni fair. At the fair, a number of top-notch U.S. colleges, and universities, American college alumni, and EducationUSA advising centers gathered to showcase their incredible programs and services and study opportunities for Macedonian students.  

Moreover, at Goce Delčev University, Štip, on October 19th, student-volunteers from the CBT& Neuroscience Hub visited the State High School for education and rehabilitation “Iskra”, Štip. They donated medical balls and equipment for physical activities to the pupils from this school, spending time with them by conversing and observing their physical activities.

Furthermore, under the moto “Let’s increase awareness among women” the Macedonian American Alumni Association and the Medical High school “Nikola Shtejn” Tetovo, organized a joint activity with the aim to raise the awareness of the risks from cancer and the possibilities for its cure. Different advertising materials were distributed among the citizens of Tetovo by the High school and University students, as well as MAAA’s Executive board member Professor Bashkim Ziberi, the director of the school Binas Pajaziti and the school teachers.

By sharing these stories, MAAA aims to inspire all its members and partners to become more active contributors to the society, take the initiative, and undertake leadership roles in community service activities. Only by doing so, can we proudly declare our commitment to advancing the development of our society and having an active role in its achievements.